Old Process New Artist

The gum bichromate process is a well known printing process established in the 19th Century. The process involves creating a working emulsion made of gum arabic, ammonium or potassium dichromate, and pigment. First, the emulsion is smeared on a support and dried. A negative or matrix is laid over the emulsion and exposed to a UV light. Often times a contact printing device (heavy glass) is placed on top to ensure evan contact. The UV light will harden the dichromate in proportion to the densities of the negative. After the exposure is done, the paper will be placed into water baths and developed until the unhardened portions of the emulsion have dissipated.

Robert Demachy (1859-1936), a famous French artist who has used the gum bichromate process in many of his works. Here is an example of one of his gum bichromate prints.

"Une Balletuese" by Robert Demachy 1900

A newer, more recent artist who uses the gum bichromate process is David Aimone. He quotes, "My works combine and synthesize modern photographic technology with very traditional tools and techniques to achieve a very personal and contemporary photographic synthesis". Below are two examples of his work. 

Gum bichromate over Palladium Toned Kallitype on Hahnemuhle Platnum Rag

Gum Bichromate over Palladium Toned Kallitype

Sources: http://www.alternativephotography.com/an-introduction-to-the-gum-bichromate-process/ 

http://www.alternativephotography.com/david-aimone/